1987 Toyota Sprinter Apex Trueno 1.6 DOHC from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Very quick car; comparable to the likes of an MR2
Faults:
Exhaust started to leak around 215000 K's.
Water pump needed replacing at 220000 K's.
Tensioners for cam-belt needed replacing after 220000kms.
Goes through front tyres a bit quicker than other front wheel drive cars.
General Comments:
Car has superb braking. Four wheel disc brakes, no ABS and a very light car, means this stops very very quick.
Great torque from the engine. Great for towing and getting over the mountains, Southern Alps etc.
Adjustable suspension. You can adjust between Soft, Sports and Hard, and it works superbly.
The manual gearbox is great. It is very strong, and easy to shift through the gears.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd March, 2008
29th May 2009, 23:58
I agree the AE86 is a fantastic, bullet proof vehicle. I owned a std. JDM 1983 Toyota Trueno GTV 1600 DOHC 4AGE Manual 3Dr between 1991 and 97 in New Zealand from 60km to 130km. Nothing went wrong, but I replaced the rusty liftback lid for $100 before selling.
Would do 160km/h up steep hills in 5th gear.
Managed to turn off head lights a couple of times when flicking the dip stalk.
Car would be even better with alloy bonnet etc and firmer suspension. Now drive a 1992 WRX sedan.